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Any and all corrections to the following minutes will be made at the 04/05/01 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting and are considered unapproved until then. Corrections will be noted in the minutes of that meeting.

MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 18th, 2001

NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE

PRESENT:

Selectmen: Michael Rohan, Jesse Anderson, Lynn Bedell, and Richard Dowley.

Absent: Carter Van Iderstine.

Also Present: Edward Druke, Sr., James O. Gray, Road Foreman, and Doris Knechtel, Administrative Assistant.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman M. Rohan called the Regular Meeting of the Board to order at 7:10 p.m.

2. SCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

A. JONATHAN MORSE FOR ADELE GRAHAM - CROSS ST

Jonathan Morse called to say that he will be unable to attend the meeting this evening and will reschedule for another time when the owner is in the area.

5. OLD BUSINESS

B. REAPPRAISAL RESPONSES

Board members have tried to contact some of the appraisal companies that did not respond to the town during earlier requests of interest. L. Bedell indicated that R. Rice of Brattleboro does appraisals for commercial properties. Both R. Dowley and J. Anderson did not get any response for their efforts. M. Rohan spoke with Richard Swadel of Patriot Properties from Agawam, MA. They have done appraisals for more than 100 communities in Massachusetts and other states. Their appraisal information came be made available through the Internet. Patriot Properties is interested in receiving an RFP from the town of Newfane for town-wide reappraisal when the materials are ready after the town meeting, depending on the vote for reappraisal.

3. UNSCHEDULED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

E. Druke indicated that on the section of unplowed road near Grout Pond, (Newfane Hill Road - TH#20), there were some vehicles parked in the area. He spotted a possible break-in and reported it to the Windham County Sheriff’s Department.

7. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S REPORT

A. John Mudgett, CPA, was contacted about the lateness of the Fiscal Year 2000 financial reports. He apologized for the lateness. His firm has been awarded the audit for FY 2001 and FY 2002. He will begin earlier for the next audit and expects to have the information completed by early November. He would also like to work the town auditors to assist them in their efforts.

B. The Planning Commission has planned a special meeting at the Williamsville Hall on Wednesday, February 21, 2001 to discuss Traffic Calming issues proposed for Williamsville and South Newfane villages.

C. Matt Beck, Engineer for the Radway Hill Road (TH#4)/River Road (TH#15) intersection, has met with William Noyes, District #2 Technician, at the site to review the design needs for the Act 250 hearing. The Board mentioned that there should be an agreement or contract with M. Beck.

D. Bea MacFarland came to the office regarding the grant that the Village has received for a portion of the sidewalks, $180,000. The Village will be responsible for coming up with $18,000, 10% of the funds for in-kind services or contributions. B. MacFarland is wondering if the Village drainage problem can be incorporated within their project. The town budgeted $7,500 for the drainage project and spent $2,000 on engineering. There is a question as to whether or not actual funds can be accepted from the town or if in-kind services can be donated. DAK will talk with Bea.

E. Wm. Noyes has sent a copy of an hydraulic study of River Road (TH#15) performed by the VT Agency of Transportation. He would like a letter from the town asking that the River Road (TH#15) flood work project be reviewed based on the hydraulic study performed by the AOT.

F. An amendment has been received from USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service that adds the Harrington Site and deletes Robinson site from the Project Agreement #69-1644-1-4. The Robinson site will be covered under another agreement because the cost is over $2,500. Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by R. Dowley to have Chairman M. Rohan sign the Amendment No. 1 to agreement No. 69-1644-1-4 between the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Town of Newfane. Unanimous.

G. Bud Bergmann asked if the town can make a $25.00 contribution to the Old Schoolhouse for use of the building by the Planning Commission. The Town Office was not available (November Election Day). The town will not be making a donation as the Williamsville Hall was available, unless the Planning Commission want to use their budget monies for rental purposes.

4. E. COVERED BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS (CB#17)

M. Rohan spoke with Wm. Noyes about the proposal submitted by Daniels Construction for the repair of the covered bridge deck for the amount of $9,220. Other options suggested were thought to be more expensive. Wm. Noyes agreed that the proposal submitted is the way to have the deck repaired. Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by R. Dowley to accept the proposal submitted by Daniels Construction for the repair of the covered bridge deck for the amount of $9,220 to include the removal of existing nails. Unanimous. J. Gray will contact Daniels Construction about the awarding of the proposal for the repairs.

4. F. OTHER ROAD BUSINESS

(1) Letters have been received from the VAOT about the need to make specific repairs to the Arch Bridge (BR#12) and to Wiswall Hill bridge (BR#43). These bridge repairs will be discussed with Wm. Noyes at the annual highway meeting.

(2) J. Gray indicated that a membrane is needed for the Loop Road (TH#76) bridge (BR#64) and work is needed on BR #5 on South Wardsboro Road (TH#1) by Royden’s.

(3) J. Gray discussed the background relating to the rip-rap used on the River Road (TH#15) project. The original cost was to be for the blasting, which would have been more than the charge at $3.50/CY. The expense was included in the amount allocated for the capital project.

4. ROAD BUSINESS

A. ROAD COMMISSIONER’S REPORT - (No report was submitted)

B. ROAD FOREMAN’S REPORT - (See attached report)

(1) J. Gray indicated that the notice for the Posting of Roads for the upcoming "mud season" should be done. Motion was made by J. Anderson and seconded by L. Bedell to put up the notice for the Posting of Roads. Unanimous. The roads will not be posted unless abuse occurs, especially with the use of log trucks.

4. C. EXCESS WEIGHT PERMITS

No Excess Weight Permits were presented for action.

D. ACCESS/RIGHT OF WAY PERMITS

No Access/Right of Way Permits were presented for action by the Board.

5. OLD BUSINESS

C. PROPOSED FY 2002 BUDGET

(1) EXPENSES

Proposed FY 2002 Highway Expenses - J. Gray reviewed the proposed highway expenses with the Board. He is planning to do some work on Upper River Road (TH#15). For guard rails and signs, he is planning to finish the guard rail on Auger Hole Road (TH#3) and do additional guard rail on Dover Road (TH#2) and Adams Hill Road (TH#27). The amount for small tools is for replacement of worn out tools and new purchases of additional tools needed. The anticipated amount of $31,500 for to be received from the state from the Bridge & Culvert program has been added to the bridge expense line item.

(3) CAPITAL

For the Capital equipment purchases, it was agreed to replace the F-550 one-ton (‘99) and the GMC Dump Truck (‘93) in 2002-03. For the Cat 926E Loader (‘91), M. Rohan distributed information about auction prices for Cat 926E ranging in age from ‘88 to ‘95. Prices for the same year and model ranged from $24,000 to $40,000. M. Rohan also contacted other communities to find out how often their loaders were traded and it varied from 10 to 20 years and from 5,000 hours to 9,100 hours. Cliff Allard from Allard Lumber looked at the town’s loader and was impressed with its condition. It has been well-taken care of, thanks to the highway crew. J. Anderson suggested that there be a phasing into a longer rotation schedule for the replacement of some of the equipment. J. Gray indicated that major repairs usually occur after the warranty has expired. L. Bedell suggested that one of the Goals & Objectives may be to hire a consultant to evaluate the current equipment and present a study with a replacement schedule.

5. D. SELECTMEN’S REPORT FOR THE TOWN REPORT

Chairman M. Rohan prepared a report for the Board members to review. A few changes were made to the report.

5. E. DRAFT ARTICLES OF WARNING

The draft articles for the warning were distributed to the Board at the 01/11/01 meeting. L. Bedell feels that there should be an article included for the Board to investigate the feasibility of the Town Manager form of government for Newfane. It has been suggested at various times over the past year. She envisions the position as part-time with a salary of $25,000 to $30,000, with the current Administrative Assistant assisting that person. L. Bedell indicated that with a professional manager, things could run more smoothly. Town government is getting more complicated and it is hard to get good people to run. She also suggested that maybe there could be a reduction in the number of selectmen from five to three. A Town Manager would be authorized to take care of more things that the Board is responsible for at this time. J. Anderson indicated that the Board could authorize the AA and the Road Foreman to have additional responsibilities.

M. Rohan does not agree that there is a need for a Town Manager, even part-time. He indicated that there is only one department to oversee. Other towns who have a Town Manager also may have police, fire, water and other departments. M. Rohan also asked where in the budget would there be sustainable funds to pay for this position?

5. E. DRAFT ARTICLES OF WARNING - (cont.)

L. Bedell felt that the person in the manager position would be able to save the town money. They could also act as the Delinquent Tax Collector, as in other communities, with the 8% penalty money being put into the town’s revenues. Motion was made by R. Dowley and seconded by L. Bedell to add an article to the warning for Town Meeting to read: to see if the voters of the town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to investigate the feasibility of the Town Manager form of government for Newfane. Unanimous. This article, as worded will let the Board know if the voters are interested in having the Selectmen spend the time looking into the change to the Town Manager form of government or not. The draft articles were reviewed and accepted. The final approval will be made at the Special meeting of 01/25/01.

8. MINUTES

The minutes of the Regular Meeting of 01/04/01 and 01/11/01 were reviewed by the Board. Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by R. Dowley to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of 12/07/00 and 12/20/00 as written. Unanimous.

9. PAY ORDERS

A. Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by J. Anderson to approve the Newfane Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrants, as signed, for the following:

01/06/01 Payroll $ 3,520.16

01/13/01 Payroll $ 2,776.87

01/17/01 Payroll $ 373.84

01/19/01 Acct’s Payable #16 $ 264,743.09 Unanimous

B. IRS Electronic Federal Payroll Tax Payments

01/10/01 $ 1,682.28

01/17/01 $ 1,336.83

10. CORRESPONDENCE

A. A letter has been received from Sheriff Graham indicating that the hourly rate for the deputy sheriff’s has increased from $20.00 to $22.00 per hour and the mileage fees have increased from $0.42 to $0.45 per mile.

B. A letter has been received from D. Knechtel, Chairman of Windham Solid Waste Management District Board of Supervisors, indicating that Newfane’s share of the assessment (4.96%) of $200,000 is $9,918 with the first quarterly payment of $2,480 to be due on September 30, 2001.

C. A copy of the Act 250 Application has been received from landowner, Johanna Gardner with contact person Mischa Golfman for a proposed outdoor education facility serving children of Windham County.

D. A copy of the January 2001 VLCT News has been received.

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION - An Executive Session was not required.

12. ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by M. Rohan and seconded by J. Anderson to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Newfane Board of Selectmen at 11:30 p.m. Unanimous.

Doris A. Knechtel

Administrative Assistant

Newfane Board of Selectmen

Posted: Town Clerk’s Office, Newfane Store, Patsy’s County Seat Market, Lessing’s Family General Store and South Newfane General Store & Deli, www.newfanevt.com

 

ROAD FOREMAN’S REPORT 01/18/01

TOWN OF NEWFANE HIGHWAY

1. Winter storms on 1/5/01, 1/6/01, 1/8/01, 1/9/01, 1/15/01 and 1/16/01 required salting, sanding and plowing.

2. Vehicles continue to park in or near roads during storms interfering with plowing, salting or sanding. Notices are put on windshields.

3. Equipment: A. All equipment is operational. B. Brake work was done on the L-9000 truck.

4. Trailer trucks are using our roads with overweight log trucks. Many are from Canada and cannot read signs such as covered bridge restrictions. Traffic is tied up as a result of this.

5. Winter sand is being replenished.

6. Dead trees and brush are being cut.

Respectfully submitted,

James O. Gray





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